Top 10 Prostate Health Supplements

A registered dietitian nutritionist evaluates the research

Medically reviewed by Allison Herries, RDN

The prostate is a small gland in men that helps make semen. It is normal for the prostate to grow with age. However, age also increases the risk of developing specific prostate issues.

Common prostate conditions include the following:

• Inflammation from bacterial infection (prostatitis)

• Enlargement due to abnormal cell growth (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

• Prostate cancer

Certain supplements may support prostate health. Specifically, lycopene, selenium, green tea, and saw palmetto are common ingredients in supplements that support prostate health and reduce the risk of prostate conditions.

This article reviews the evidence behind supplements for prostate health. It also covers possible side effects of these supplements, interactions, and dosage information.

What Supplements Are Used for Prostate Health?

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Age, race, and genetics affect the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is another common prostate issue, with the number of people experiencing this condition increasing each year. Age, race, and medications, among other factors, influence the development of BPH.

Many vitamins, minerals, and herbs may support prostate health and influence the risk of prostate cancer. Supplements provide a nutrient boost but may not always be warranted. On some occasions, supplements may even do more harm than good.

Adequate levels of selenium, zinc, and vitamin D and incorporating antioxidants into the diet are crucial for prostate health.

Explainer

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), a pharmacist, or a healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Prostate Health Nutrients

Vitamins, minerals, and various plant compounds may support prostate health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of prostate cancer.

Selenium

Selenium is essential for DNA stability and cell health. It also acts as an antioxidant to reduce cellular damage.

Large population studies show a link between low selenium levels and a higher risk of prostate cancer. However, randomized controlled trials yield mixed results. Baseline nutrient status may affect the risk of prostate cancer when taking selenium supplements. The supplement form may also influence the effectiveness of selenium.

Supplementing with 500 micrograms (mcg) of selenium daily did not reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men 50 years of age and older. Researchers ended one trial early due to no observed benefit of selenium supplementation. Some studies evaluating selenium for prostate health noticed an increased risk of diabetes with supplementation.

The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine (IOM) set the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for selenium at 55 mcg for males 14 years of age and older.

Selenium may interact with some medications. Cisplatin, a type of chemotherapy for certain cancers, can reduce selenium levels. Conversely, selenium may ease the side effects of cisplatin.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient in tissues with high cell turnover rates, such as prostate tissue. Additionally, zinc is required for semen production and health. Health issues occur when prostate cells can no longer store zinc.

Some research suggests lower levels of zinc with prostate cancer. However, supplementing with zinc may also contribute to a greater risk of prostate cancer.

Conflicting data limit the use of zinc supplementation for prostate health. Moreover, the specific supplement form may influence the effect of zinc.

The RDA for zinc for males 14 and older is 11 milligrams (mg) daily. Excessive zinc intake reduces the absorption of other vital nutrients like iron and copper.

Certain antibiotics may interact with zinc, decreasing both absorption when taken together. Diuretics increase the removal of zinc from the body, reducing nutrient stores.

Lycopene

Lycopene is a plant chemical (carotenoid) that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. Tomatoes are a potent source of lycopene.

Lycopene supports prostate health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect cells from damage.

Consuming tomato-based supplements and products that contain lycopene may alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Lycopene may also reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer.

Insufficient research exists to encourage the use of lycopene for prostate health and to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene from food or tomato-based products may support prostate health. However, taking lycopene supplements does not seem to have the same beneficial effect.

Lycopene in dosages of 15 to 45 mg daily for up to six months appears safe. Tomatoes contain 0.88 to 7.74 mg of lycopene per 100 grams (g), which is roughly the weight of a small tomato. The amount of lycopene in a tomato depends on the type and ripeness of the fruit.

Lycopene may slow blood clotting. Taking lycopene with an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Exercise caution when using lycopene with other medicines that may increase the risk of bleeding.

Green Tea

Certain plant compounds in green tea (catechins) contribute to the beverage’s health-promoting effects. Catechins fight free radicals (unstable molecules) to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin, may prevent cancer cell development. EGCG participates in cell pathways that inhibit cell growth and the release of inflammatory molecules.

Evidence is mixed on the benefits of green tea for prostate health. Some studies show a positive effect of three cups or more of green tea daily on reducing the risk of prostate cancer. One cup (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of green tea contains about 187 mg of EGCG.

Other research notes a decrease in prostate cancer with 400 to 600 mg of EGCG daily. Still, the research is not unanimous.

Consuming 400 mg daily of EGCG is well-tolerated and safe. Taking EGCG supplements on an empty stomach may be more effective, but it may also increase the risk of toxicity.

Modified Citrus Pectin

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) has been recognized for its anticancer properties, specifically its ability to influence tumor development. Pectins are an indigestible, soluble fiber in plant cell walls.

Few studies exist on MCP for prostate health, but research is promising. Long-term supplementation of MCP may slow the progression of prostate cancer. MCP blocks the activity of a specific molecule (galectin-3 protein) that contributes to cancer development.

MCP is generally regarded as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is well-tolerated by most individuals. Still, additional research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage for prostate health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for countless body processes.

Vitamin D may reduce circulating sex hormone (androgen) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and curb cell growth to support prostate health and lower the risk of prostate cancer. PSA is a blood test used to evaluate a person’s risk of prostate cancer.

There is mixed evidence supporting vitamin D supplementation for prostate health. Some research suggests supplementing with vitamin D improves PSA levels. Still, other studies show no benefit of vitamin D compared to a placebo (an ineffective substance given to people in control groups).

Consuming more vitamin D may be linked to a lower rate of BPH. Vitamin D may reduce inflammation and prevent prostate growth, two attributes of BPH.

The RDA for vitamin D for males between 18 and 70 years is 15 mcg or 600 international units (IU) daily. For men older than 70, the RDA is 20 mcg or 800 IU.

Excessive vitamin D supplementation is toxic. High vitamin D intake contributes to elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia), which can cause kidney failure in severe cases. Moreover, some research suggests vitamin D supplementation may increase the rate of death (mortality) in people with prostate cancer.

Vitamin D may interact in the following ways:

• Vitamin D supplements: Supplements of vitamin D may interact with certain medications, and certain medications may impact vitamin D absorption. Medications that interact with vitamin D include the following:

• Statins: Vitamin D may decrease the effectiveness of statins, and statins may impact the body’s production of vitamin D.

• Corticosteroid medications: These drugs may affect vitamin D metabolism.

• Thiazide diuretics: Concurrently taking thiazide diuretics and vitamin D supplements may contribute to hypercalcemia.

• Orlistat: Drugs that influence fat metabolism, such as Alli (orlistat), reduce the absorption of vitamin D.

Soy

Soy foods like tofu, miso, and soy milk contain phytochemicals associated with health benefits. In particular, isoflavones (a type of phytochemical) found in soy foods support prostate health.

Soy does not impact male reproductive hormones or negatively affect fertility. In fact, eating soy foods is linked to a lower rate of prostate cancer. In particular, unfermented soy foods such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Research yields mixed results for the use of soy isoflavone supplements. Isoflavone supplements may result in similar outcomes as eating soy foods, but more research is needed. Moreover, some studies evaluating soy isoflavone supplements included other ingredients, so results may not be due to isoflavones.

Adverse effects may occur with the use of isoflavone supplements. Additionally, evidence for isoflavone supplements for prostate health is minimal and unsupported. Instead, opt for soy foods, which are encouraged as part of a healthy eating pattern and have minimal side effects.

Prostate Health Herbs

Many herbs are marketed for prostate health, but whether these supplements truly support prostate health is not clear.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a shrub-like palm tree that treats conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs.

Some research suggests that saw palmetto may reduce urinary symptoms, such as urinary leaks (incontinence) and increased urgency and frequency. Additionally, saw palmetto may improve prostate inflammation.

Other research shows no benefit of saw palmetto for BPH symptoms. However, saw palmetto’s benefits and side effects may depend on the supplement’s quality and composition.

Saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated with only mild side effects of digestion issues or headaches. There are no apparent interactions between medications and saw palmetto.

African Cherry

According to research, bark from the African cherry tree (Prunus africana), also known as the African plum or African prune, reduced symptoms associated with BPH. African cherry bark contains phytosterols, which help lower inflammation.

The most common dosage for African cherry is 100 to 200 mg daily for one to two months. Still, additional research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage, safety, and any possible interactions with medications.

Rye Grass Pollen Extract

Limited research exists for rye grass pollen extract (Cernilton). However, existing research shows its benefit on prostate health is multifaceted.

Rye grass pollen extract relaxes muscles in the urethra, reduces inflammation, and inhibits cell growth.

Research suggests 750 mg of rye grass pollen daily alleviates BPH symptoms. Still, the exact dosage to support prostate health is unclear.

Explainer

In the United States, the FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.

When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, an RD or RDN, or a pharmacist.

Other Considerations for Prostate Health

Besides supplements, lifestyle can support prostate health. Incorporating movement and plant-based foods into everyday life helps maintain prostate health.

Movement / Exercise

Movement preserves prostate health by lowering inflammation and sympathetic nervous system activity.

Pelvic floor exercise may alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as trouble with urination. However, exercise should not be used in place of medical treatment for lower urinary tract issues or BPH.

Nutrition

A vegetarian or vegan diet may lower the risk of death from prostate cancer. One large meta-analysis observed a 10% reduced risk of death from prostate cancer among vegetarians compared to omnivores.

A plant-based diet is also linked to lower PSA levels. PSA is used to help screen for prostate issues, including infection, inflammation, and prostate cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, soy, and tomatoes (all foods common in a plant-based diet) contribute to a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Screening

Routine appointments with healthcare providers support prostate health. Issues affecting the ability to urinate could be a sign of prostate problems. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience trouble urinating, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination at night.

A physical exam in which the healthcare provider inserts fingers into the rectum (digital rectal exam) can assess prostate health. However, it is not recommended as a screening tool for prostate cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer for men between the ages of 55 and 69 years on an individual basis.

Hydration

Decreasing fluids close to bedtime may help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination at night (nocturia). But consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your fluid intake.

Summary

Supplements may support prostate health. But more robust data is needed before supplements can be fully recommended. Although some supplements may be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, they cannot prevent prostate cancer or other issues.

In some cases, supplements can do more harm than good. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a supplement. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do prostate supplements work?

Some research suggests that certain supplements may reduce the risk of prostate cancer or decrease symptoms associated with BPH. However, the evidence is mixed. Clinical trials use supplements with different dosages and for varying durations, making it difficult to determine whether prostate supplements work.

Additionally, multiple factors like baseline nutrient status and supplement dosage and form may influence the efficacy of prostate supplements.

What are the best supplements for prostate health?

There is no single supplement for prostate health. Depending on your health history and symptoms, a supplement may benefit your prostate health. But always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Should you take a supplement for prostate health?

Supplements may not be necessary for prostate health. Instead, it may help to focus on plant foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.